The Best Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish that warms you from the inside out, you’ve come to the right place! This is The Best Chili Recipe you’ll ever make. It’s packed with flavor and comes together with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this chili is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

What makes this chili so special? It’s the perfect blend of spices and textures, with just the right amount of heat. Plus, it’s easy to customize! You can enjoy it topped with gooey melted cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh green onions—an irresistible combination!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of chili! It’s mild enough for kids but flavorful enough to please adults.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors develop. Chili tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable toppings: Add your favorite toppings for a personal touch—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!
• Comforting flavors: The warm spices create a cozy atmosphere that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for The Best Chili Recipe. These items are not only easy to find but also come together to create an unforgettable meal.

For the Chili

• 1 pound bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 medium onions (diced)
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans (drained but not rinsed)
• 2 cups broth (your choice: beef, bone, chicken, or vegetable), plus more as needed

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Tabasco sauce

Variations

One of the best things about chili is its flexibility! You can easily switch up ingredients based on what you have or what you’re craving.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch.
• Go vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely and use extra beans or lentils for a hearty plant-based version.

How to Make The Best Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by adding the chopped bacon to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it starts sizzling, lower the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cooking it slowly allows those delicious flavors to develop. Stir occasionally until golden brown. When done, transfer the bacon using a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside. Remember to reserve 2 tablespoons of that fantastic bacon grease!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In your Dutch oven, add 1 tablespoon of reserved bacon grease over medium-high heat and then toss in the ground beef. Season it with salt and pepper as it cooks. Browning gives depth and richness to your chili. Once it’s nicely browned, transfer it to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

In that same pot, add another tablespoon of bacon grease over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step is vital because caramelizing onions enhances their natural sweetness! Now sprinkle in salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and sugar; mix well. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute before adding diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring everything to a lovely simmer.

Step 4: Return the Beef and Add Beans

Once your onion-tomato mixture reaches that beautiful simmering point, bring back the bacon and ground beef into the pot. Gently fold in those kidney beans along with 2-3 cups of low-sodium broth—this adds moisture while allowing all those fantastic flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer

Let your chili simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This step is crucial; it’s where all those wonderful flavors come together! If your chili seems too thick at any point, feel free to add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Now comes the best part—serving it up! Dish out generous portions topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or even some Tabasco sauce if you like an extra kick.

And there you have it—the most delightful bowl of The Best Chili Recipe! Enjoy every hearty bite!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Chili Recipe

Creating the best chili is all about technique and ingredients. With these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting your chili!

• Use Fresh Spices – Spices lose their potency over time, so using fresh ones will ensure a bolder flavor in your chili. It can elevate the taste from good to outstanding.

• Allow for Simmering Time – Don’t rush the simmering process! Allowing your chili to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.

• Adjust Consistency – Depending on personal preference, you might want a thicker or soupier chili. Feel free to add more broth if it’s too thick or let it simmer longer to thicken it up.

• Taste as You Go – Always taste your chili during cooking. This way, you can adjust seasoning levels to suit your palate perfectly, ensuring every bite is delicious.

• Make It Ahead of Time – Chili often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Consider making it a day in advance for an even more flavorful meal!

How to Serve The Best Chili Recipe

Serving your chili can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – A classic topping that adds creaminess and richness, complementing the spices in the chili beautifully.
• Chopped Green Onions – These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color that brightens up each bowl.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the warmth of the chili and balances out its spiciness.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread – This sweet and buttery bread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all those delicious juices while adding a comforting texture.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips make for a great side. They’re perfect for dipping or sprinkling over your bowl of chili for added crunch.
• Rice or Quinoa – Serving chili over rice or quinoa can transform it into a heartier meal, offering additional nutrients while soaking up all that amazing flavor.
• Simple Green Salad – A light salad with fresh greens can balance out the richness of the chili, providing a refreshing contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.

Now that you have everything you need to create and serve The Best Chili Recipe, gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting dish together!

Make Ahead and Storage

This chili recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch ahead of time, saving you time and effort during busy weeks. Here’s how to properly store your chili for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the chili into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the chili cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out the chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For stovetop reheating, place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, transfer the chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making The Best Chili Recipe.

What is The Best Chili Recipe?

The Best Chili Recipe combines savory beef with flavorful spices and hearty beans. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Can I customize The Best Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust the spices based on your taste preferences. Make it your own!

How can I make this chili spicier?

To add more heat to The Best Chili Recipe, consider adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

What should I serve with The Best Chili Recipe?

This delicious chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. Don’t forget your favorite toppings like cheese and sour cream!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making The Best Chili Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings friends and family together. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and let me know how yours turns out!